How Long Until a Tooth Infection Kills You? An Expert Doctor Answers a Surprisingly Common Question
About the expert
Sasha Ross, DMD, MS, is a board-certified periodontist who has been with the Cleveland Clinic since 2013. She earned her dental degree from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and completed her residency in periodontics at the University of Illinois at Chicago Hospitals. Dr. Ross also holds a Master’s degree in Oral Science.
Oral health issues are a common problem, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that around 3.5 billion people globally are affected by oral diseases. This is a good reminder that taking care of your mouth isn’t just about having an attractive smile: While routine dental care can address many problems, leaving a condition like a tooth infection untreated can lead to rare but severe cases when bacteria from an untreated tooth infection can spread beyond the mouth, entering the bloodstream and leading to life-threatening conditions such as sepsis or endocarditis.
Sasha Ross, DMD, MS is a board-certified periodontist with the Cleveland Clinic, specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Ahead, Dr. Ross offers expert insights on the dangers of untreated infections, key symptoms that should never be overlooked, and practical tips for preventing dental problems from developing in the first place.
What is a tooth infection?
“A tooth infection is an accumulation of inflammatory cells at the base of a tooth or along its side,” explains Dr. Ross. Commonly referred to as a tooth abscess, this condition can occur due to a dying or dead nerve, debris like a popcorn kernel or tartar trapped under the gum tissue, or a fracture in the tooth root. These factors create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to an infection that requires prompt attention.
Symptoms of a tooth infection
Tooth infections can present in a variety of ways, with some of the most common symptoms including:
- Throbbing pain during chewing, brushing, or at rest
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Swelling in your gums or face
- Bleeding gums
- Fever
- Foul taste in the mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes
Dr. Ross adds: “Interestingly, many tooth infections do not cause pain and are discovered incidentally on a dental x-ray.” This is why maintaining regular dental checkups is essential for catching and addressing potential issues early.
